(A/N) It has come to my attention that Mind Eye is already an ability, so I will change Noctowl's mutation to Clairvoyance. There is no other change; it still does the same exact thing.
—-
The news broadcasting the incident played all across the world. After all, this involved Professor Oak's student, the famous Pokémon researcher Professor Spencer Hale. With a scandal of this magnitude, how could people not rush to report it?
The reporter stood in front of the camera as she broadcast to the world:
"Behind me lies the normally peaceful town of Greenfield. But these green fields have suddenly undergone a disturbing transformation. Officials are baffled by this shocking phenomenon, which appears to have originated from the hilltop mansion of renowned Pokémon researcher Spencer Hale."
In Pallet Town, as Professor Oak and Tracey watched the news, they couldn't help but stare wide-eyed in shock at the crystal landscape displayed on the TV.
Tracey looked down at Professor Oak. "Hey, wasn't Spencer Hale one of your top students, Professor?"
"One of my very best," Professor Oak confirmed. "But I lost contact with him recently, and now this… What is going on…"
As they continued watching, they heard the door to the lab open, followed by the sound of feet running up the stairs. Delia burst into the lab, out of breath from running all the way from her house after closing up her shop early.
"Professor Oak! Have you seen the news about Greenfield?" Delia asked, panting as she caught her breath.
"I have, and I'll be going there shortly," Oak replied as he donned his lab coat and reached for the shelf holding his Pokéballs, grabbing his Alakazam's ball.
"I'm going with you," Delia announced. Oak didn't seem surprised, but Tracey was completely stunned.
Tracey stammered, "M-Ms. Ketchum, you can't be serious! It's—"
"Very well. Do you have everything you need?" Oak interrupted, completely cutting off the shocked Tracey.
"W-what? B-but, Professor, forgive me, but you can't be serious!" Tracey exclaimed in disbelief.
Oak shook his head. "No, I am serious. Delia has just as much—if not more—reason to go than I do. Besides, she isn't defenseless. She can handle herself."
"Wait, what?" Tracey blinked. "Say that last part again?"
Delia giggled as she flexed her arm playfully. "I may not look it, but I was a tough trainer before I had Ash. I participated in the Pokémon League and almost won—placed in the top four my first year!"
"Indeed," Oak said seriously. "So, will you be bringing any of your Pokémon with you?"
"I don't think so," Delia replied. "It's just crystals, right? I don't think I'll need to battle. Besides, I'm a bit rusty." She scratched the back of her head.
Oak sighed, typing into his computer. A Pokéball materialized before him. He picked it up and held it out to Delia. "I'd feel more comfortable if you at least took one."
Delia had caught quite a few Pokémon during her time as a trainer, but she knew exactly which one Oak was offering her. It was undoubtedly her strongest Pokémon, but just thinking about it brought up complicated feelings.
"U-uh, how about you hang onto her," Delia said hesitantly. "And if I need her, you can give her to me."
Oak frowned but understood. That Pokémon was a sensitive topic for Delia. He nodded, securing the Pokéball on his belt. His Alakazam let out a relieved sigh.
"Then let's go," Oak said firmly. "We can't enter the mansion because we don't know what's inside, but Alakazam can teleport us to the Pokémon Center."
—-
{With the gang}
"Here you are," Nurse Joy said as she handed back everyone's tired Pokémon.
After seeing the news crew, the group had gone to the Pokémon Center to wait and see if anything new would be reported. While waiting, a man named Schuyler had rushed in and was anxiously pacing, waiting for someone.
As they sat down, Brock peered out the window. "What do you think is going on out there?"
"No idea," Lisa replied. "How about you guys?"
"Nope."
"Nah."
"Na-da."
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Lisa sighed. "What was up with that guy, though? You know, the one walking around like a madman?"
"Probably waiting for someone," Misty suggested. "Or maybe someone he knows is trapped in the crystals."
"Oh, I hope not! That would be sad," Yellow murmured, clutching Chuchu tighter in her arms. "What would happen if we got caught in that?"
"I don't know, but don't worry. I don't think we'll have to find out," Ash said, trying to comfort Yellow, though he tapped his foot nervously while staring at the ceiling.
Misty was about to question Ash's strange behavior when Schuyler suddenly shouted, "He's here! Finally!" and ran outside.
As the gang watched him dash through the glass doors, Pikachu's ears twitched. He sniffed the air, then leaped off Ash's shoulder and bolted after Schuyler.
"Huh? Pikachu?" Yellow asked, watching him run out as she stood up.
Misty followed suit. "Where's he going?"
"No idea, but I'm going after him," Ash lied, quickly running out the door. Moments later, everyone else followed.
Outside, Schuyler raced to greet Professor Oak while Pikachu hurried past them, drawn by a familiar scent. He stopped in front of someone wearing familiar shoes.
"Oh, hello, Pikachu!" Delia greeted warmly as she knelt down and scooped him into her arms.
"Pika, pika!" Pikachu chirped happily.
Ash stepped outside and saw his mom. He lowered his gaze, pulling his hat down to cover his eyes before putting on a smile. "Oh… Mom!"
"Oh, hi, honey!" Delia exclaimed, walking up to hug Ash. "It's so good to see you!"
Professor Oak, noticing them, raised his eyebrows in surprise. "What a coincidence! I didn't expect to see you here. Did you come to Greenfield to visit Professor Hale?"
"No," Yellow answered hesitantly. "We were just passing by and… well… all of this. Do you know what's going on?"
"I'm afraid not," Oak replied gravely. "That's what I'm here to find out—and to discover what happened to Spencer and his daughter." He clenched his fist with a sense of purpose.
"Yes, I know," Delia said softly, hugging Ash tighter. "I wonder how Molly is… She's so young. I hope she's okay."
Ash endured the hug as Misty slyly pulled out her phone, aiming to take a picture. He shot her a glare and pulled his hat lower to cover his eyes.
"Hey, Mom, can you let me go? This is kinda embarrassing…" Ash muttered, though his real concern wasn't the hug—it was the TV cameras catching his mom on screen.
Delia pouted. "Ash, how could you? I missed you so much! Can't I hug my own son?"
"We saw each other last week…" Ash mumbled sheepishly, gently trying to pry himself free as he noticed a cameraman focusing on them.
"And that's a week too long! You're not escaping my cuddles this time, mister!" Delia declared, squeezing him even tighter.
Ash's frustration wasn't from the hug or being on TV—he didn't mind either. The real issue was that he knew someone was watching. Someone dangerous. What could he do? Demand his mom leave? Pull her away? Warn her about the looming threat of a fake Legendary Pokémon?
He was just her son. Without a reason, he couldn't justify dragging her away. And how could he explain that he knew what was coming?
All he could do was hope that his plan B would work.
—-
{Meanwhile, inside the mansion}
Molly and Entei sat together on a crystal bed, Molly nuzzling into his warm fur as they watched the same news broadcast on TV. Her eyes widened when Delia appeared on the screen. She heard Delia say she was there for Molly.
Her small hand clutched a family picture she always carried. In the photo, Delia stood apart from her papa beside a boy Molly only vaguely remembered. But none of that mattered. This was her real mama—she was sure of it. After all, her mama had come for her. Spencer had never told Molly the truth about what happened to her mother.
Molly turned to Entei, her eyes shining with excitement. "Papa, look! Mama came back! I want my mama!"
"If that is your wish," Entei said solemnly. Rising to his full height, he took one last glance at her before the crystals split open, and he leaped out. Whatever Molly wished for, he would fulfill—no matter the cost.
—
After persistent urging from Ash, Delia finally agreed to move out of the camera's view. They found a quiet place to sit while Professor Oak went with Schuyler to discuss the growing crisis. Camera crews continued to film the looming crystal castle.
Delia explained how she knew Professor Hale and their shared history.
"We grew up together," she said. "He helped me with homework when I was busy modeling for my part-time job. He was always so helpful, never asking for anything in return."
As Delia reminisced, Brock, Misty, Lisa, and Ash shared the same thought: Yep, he had a crush on her.
Ash buried his face in his hands. He didn't need to hear about his mother's love life.
Delia continued, smiling wistfully. "He left for nearly ten years. It's a shame—I would've invited him to my wedding, but I couldn't find him. That was about the time Ash came along."
She sighed. "He visited Pallet Town a few times after that, bringing his daughter, Molly. But I haven't spoken to him much lately. Something happened to his wife… and after that, he grew distant."
Misty leaned forward, curious. "Really? What happened?"
Delia's smile faded. "I don't know. He never said. I just know he didn't want to talk about it."
The group fell silent, and Delia's eyes wandered to the crystal tower. A deep worry settled over her. "That's Spencer's home. I'm really concerned…"
Brock's eyes narrowed as he studied the tower. "If those crystals are coming from there, that means both he and Molly are probably inside."
"That's awful… I hope they're okay," Yellow whispered, hugging Chuchu tighter.
As the others continued to talk, Ash's focus remained fixed on the tower. He could feel an Aura rushing toward them. It was coming soon—but he had prepared for this. Earlier, he had let one of his Pokémon out for his backup plan.
Meanwhile, Pikachu sat contentedly on Delia's lap. His ears twitched suddenly, and his body tensed as sparks danced along his cheeks.
"Pikachu?" Delia asked, concerned, as he leaped from her lap to the ground.
"Pikachu, what's wrong?" Yellow asked. She noticed his tension right away. Though Ash's Aura always shielded his thoughts from her, Pikachu's emotions were clear.
The others turned to look.
"Pika…" Pikachu growled, eyes fixed on the crystals. Ash stood beside him, staring ahead.
"You see it too, buddy," Ash muttered, eyes narrowing as he tracked the movement approaching from the crystal landscape.
"See what's coming? What's going on?" Misty asked, standing up alongside Brock.
From within the crystal formations, a massive figure moved with powerful bounds. Each step left crystallized flowers in its wake.
Finally, the creature leaped into view.
"Entei!" Brock was the first to speak. He still remembered when he fought one with Falkner, and he wondered if it was the same one coming after him again, his hand instinctively went to his Pokeballs
The towering orange beast ignored everyone but Delia. His deep, commanding voice broke the silence. "You are the one. Come with me willingly; it will be better for everyone."
Delia blinked, frozen in shock. A talking Entei?
Before she could respond, Ash stepped forward, placing himself between Entei and his mother. Pikachu growled low, sparks flying.
Ash's red eyes locked with Entei's. His voice was calm, as they slowly started going blue, "Over my dead body."
----
So, I was supposed to get the p@treon by now, but stuff happened with me getting sick, and then I found out I was going back to school a whole week sooner, so yeah, it's getting delayed
If you want to support me, then you can go to
ko-fi .com/katsu190
buymeacoffee .com/katsu190
Or you can save your money until I finally finish the p@treon,